Utah Takes Measures Against Spread of Deadly Pig Virus

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Any pig shown at a Utah fair or livestock show must go directly to slaughter under a new emergency order from the state veterinarian's office. The Tuesday order aims to limit the spread of a deadly swine virus that's killed 7 million pigs nationwide in the last year. The Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus, or PED, is not a threat to humans or other animals. Assistant state veterinarian Warren Hess tells the Deseret News  the step is needed to protect Utah's pork industry.

The mandate starts May 1. It requires a veterinarian's inspection for all hogs and pigs entering Utah to ensure the animals have not come in contact with the virus in the past 30 days. Officials say it has spread to 30 states but has not reached Utah.